Published on Sept. 24, 2026
As we close out Gynecologic Cancer Awareness month this September, it’s important to focus not only on cancer prevention, but on overall pelvic health. Pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, pressure and changes in bladder or bowel function can have many causes.
While these symptoms are often related to non-cancerous gynecologic or pelvic floor conditions, in some cases, further evaluation may uncover something more serious.
At the MemorialCare Center for Pelvic Health at Long Beach Medical Center, women have access to specialists experienced in evaluating and treating complex pelvic health conditions, including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, abnormal bleeding, ovarian cysts, pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.
“At the Center for Pelvic Health, our collaborative team solves complex symptoms and creates individualized treatment plans, supported by leading specialists, advanced minimally invasive capabilities and supportive care to help busy women feel like themselves again,” says Lauren de Winter, M.D., urogynecologist and medical director, MemorialCare Center for Pelvic Health, Long Beach Medical Center. “Then, if needed, we connect patients directly with gynecologic cancer specialists at MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute for a seamless transition to the next stage of care.”
That seamless connection between the Center for Pelvic Health and MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute gives women access to a close-knit, multidisciplinary cancer team while staying in their community.
Complex cases are reviewed through a multidisciplinary tumor board, where specialists come together to develop an individualized treatment plan that considers not only the most effective treatment options, but also each patient’s goals and quality of life.
“As both a physician and a member of the Long Beach community, it’s important to me that women have access to exceptional cancer care close to home,” says Kiran Clair, M.D., gynecologic oncologist and medical director at MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute. “We bring together specialists from across cancer care to develop personalized treatment plans. That can include screening patients for clinical trials when they are eligible, complex cytoreductive and radical surgery for advanced cancers, and access to precision therapies and other advanced treatment options when appropriate.”
Depending on the diagnosis, patients have access to a comprehensive range of treatments, including radical cytoreductive surgery with consideration of heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery, brachytherapy and comprehensive genetic counseling.
Care extends beyond cancer treatment itself. Patients are supported by a dedicated team of advanced practice providers, nurses, genetic counselors, nutritionists, rehabilitation specialists and other supportive care professionals who work together to support patients throughout treatment, recovery and survivorship.
The future of women’s health care is right here in Long Beach. And miles ahead in its care. Take care of yourself first, so you can be there for all of life’s major milestones.
Medically Reviewed By:
Kiran Clair, M.D., gynecologic oncologist and medical director at MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, Long Beach Medical Center
Lauren de Winter, M.D., urogynecologist and medical director, MemorialCare Center for Pelvic Health, Long Beach Medical Center
About the Author
Lauren de Winter, M.D. is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist at MemorialCare who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancers, including ovarian, uterine and cervical cancers. Dedicated to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care, she works closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide personalized treatment plans and guide women and their families through every stage of their cancer journey.
Kiran Clair, M.D.is a fellowship-trained, board-eligible gynecologic oncologist and Medical Director of Gynecologic Oncology at the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, specializing in the treatment of ovarian, cervical and uterine cancers. She also serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the UCI School of Medicine and is committed to providing patient-centered, multidisciplinary cancer care while advancing research aimed at reducing cancer disparities.